Join us for a special Backpacking 101 Family Fundraiser at Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve! This overnight outdoor experience offers families the chance to learn backpacking basics while exploring one of North Alabama’s most beautiful preserved landscapes.

Led by Patrick Shremshock, an outdoor educator with over 30 years of experience, this hands-on weekend adventure will cover essential backpacking skills, camp cooking, fire building, Leave No Trace principles, and more — all while supporting the preservation of Cane Creek Canyon.

Registration Details

Donation Requirement:
To participate, families must make a $100 donation to Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve.

Who Can Register:

Limited to five (5) families (up to 4 members per family)
Participants must be physically able to:
- Carry a 25-40 lb. backpack
- Hike at least 6 miles
- Manage a 350 ft. elevation change
All participants must follow Leave No Trace principles.
Parents must supervise children, especially during meal prep and camp activities.

Required Info During Registration:

Names and ages of all participants
Lead contact’s email and phone number

What’s Provided

Families will have access to check out gear supplied by the University of North Alabama’s Outdoor Recreation Program, including:

Backpacks
Tents and sleeping bags
Camp stoves and cookware
Headlamps and camp chairs
Fuel canisters (and more as available)

Equipment pick-up and check-out will be coordinated prior to the event with the lead instructor.

Before the Trip

Each family will receive:

A custom packing list
A personalized menu for dinner and breakfast (developed after a one-on-one Teams meeting to discuss food preferences and allergies)
Access to two virtual pre-trip clinics via Microsoft Teams:
1. How to Pack a Backpack
2. Pre-Trip Food Preparation

Sample Itinerary

(Subject to change)

Day 1 – Friday

2:00 PM | Arrival and Check-In at Preserve Kiosk
2:10 PM | Group Gear Dispersal + Leave No Trace Review
Hike to Campsite (2.5 miles)
Set up Camp + Kids Activity
Camp Cooking + Fire Building
Interpretive Night Hike, S’mores, and Stargazing

Day 2 – Saturday

8:00 AM | Breakfast + Leave No Trace Review
Interpretive Day Hike to Devil’s Hollow
12:00 PM | Break Camp and Depart

Questions?

For more information, contact:
Patrick Shremshock
📧 pshremshock@una.edu